From Kashmir to Manali, North India Covered in a Blanket of Snow

Winter has truly arrived. Intense cold wave continued to grip north India as many states were covered in a blanket of snow. The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir Valley received heavy snowfall as temperature dipped to a minimum of minus six in some parts of Kashmir and minus 12 in some parts of Manali.

In Kashmir, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the Pir Panjal mountains and Pahalgam received heavy snowfall.

Higher reaches of Uttarakhand hills received fresh snowfall while overcast conditions prevailed at most places in the plains. The lower areas of the two hilly districts were swept by chilly winds.

The weather department has warned of heavy snowfall and rain at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts over the next few days, reportedIndia Today.

While tourists from across the country are flocking to popular destinations such as Manali, Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh and the Kashmir Valley, everyday life in these places has been disrupted due to heavy snowfall.

The Kashmir Valley remained cut-off from the rest of India as air and surface links between the region and the outside world were snapped due to heavy snow and landslides.

The Srinagar-Jammu Highway, the Mughal Road, the Srinagar-Leh Highway and mountain passes leading to Gurez and Tangdhar have been closed due to heavy snowfall, reported IANS.

Electric supply in the urban and rural areas of Kashmir and Himachal was also disrupted because of heavy snowfall.

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